Overview

• A small preseason sample showed a jump to 10th in pace from 29th last year, with top-six marks in steals and opponent turnovers.
• Joe Mazzulla said he may not use a fixed rotation this season, leaning on frequent substitutions and matchup-based starting groups.
• Jaylen Brown left the preseason finale with left hamstring tightness, was limited in practice without live drills, and is listed day-to-day for the opener.
• Jayson Tatum remains in rehab without an in-season clearance, and the Boston Globe reported the team sits about $12 million over the tax line, a context that could shape longer-term choices.
• Josh Minott and rookie Hugo González impressed as energetic reserves in exhibition play, and Derrick White took on a larger offensive load.